The desire for immortality is a common one, given our innate fear of death. We share the same desire for immortality of our characters. Potions of immortality are often fakes, while spells of unending life invariably turn the caster into a vampire, or a liche or some other evil creature.

... some invaders come full-force, and are a previous unknown to the current inhabitants. Either way, the world will change.

Imagine a blight that killed off the grasses and grains. This is not an unheard off event. Mutant spores, molds, and diseases have killed off a wide variety, even who classes, of plants in the real world. Something that kills off grasses, sounds like science fiction (and the premise has been used in many 'end of the world' movies and stories), but it is very applicable to a fantasy world... especially because they are mostly agrarian.

'Mass Produced Books' was one of the most important shift points in history. This one invention profoundly effected all aspects of life, not only locally, but eventually the entire world.

What would my world be if.... This is a question that many GMs should ask. It will help them flesh out their world. This is a series of articles to expand upon the idea.

You sicken me, son of a false God. Your faith is boundless, yet your power is limited. You serve a weak God and yo ushall soon see the err of your ways. When we rally forth and wipe the slate clean of your pathetic church your crys of injustice will not be heard. Bow before your oppressor.

-Souka Apostle of Sceleris

Let me just say I HATE DROW. The DnD anti-elves really annoy the heck out of me. They are annoying two hit die monsters. They have become hugely popular because of some well written DnD fiction books. Yet, they don't make sense. So lets try again.

The day passes again. I have recorded the passing of time for half my life. I have recorded the attempts of each of the three hordes of Corrupted to try and breach our sanctity with calm ease. I have watched the brother of my God try vainly attempt to bring down these walls with his misguided followers. The world will know the true history, even if I give my life for the truth.

- Khoal - Scribe of the Order, Watcher of Gotruis

My son, repent your dark ways of chaos. If given fully your soul will burn brightly in the sky and break free of the torment of your chosen calling. If you do not, I will be forced to send your tortured soul to Kasal for pennace. Make your choice, no? Then you Corrupted Spawn of Sethalis, may your soul be tormented forever in the burning hatered of your master.

- Michaud - 9th Order of the Devoted Path of Aduivo

The Ghorish Maw is used by the Ogre Tribes which live in the Ghor Mountains, named after a legendary Ogre Chieftain who once resided there. Known for his love of eating, these are the weapons he armed his warriors with.

A Woodsman Blade is a useful tool for those who ply the woods. It is often the primary weapon for a variety of Woodsman Organization.

The Wei-Jai were carried by Chinese soldiers during the anti-piracy campaign in the mid sixteenth century. Chinese sword blades were inferior to the Japanese blades, so there was a period when the Chinese government purchased Japanese made blades fashioned in the Chinese design.

In the north west provinces, the locals used an odd design for their shovels. The blade part is a flat 12' (30 cm) cast iron half circle with a small extension in the back to facilitate mounting on the handles. Like many farming items, they were adapted to be used as weapons by those who had them and had no others.

To wield such a weapon is to ensure long life and enough luck to have it.

An aquatic spear made of shaped coral.

One Hundred tiny prayers for luck.

A Ryder Spear is the quintessinal Kerrenese weapon. It is used by Ryders in combat and in tournament, the two most important parts of a Ryder's life.

It is called the Spring and Autumn sword because it brings new beginings and new endings.

'When I strike at you, I am not alone. I have the courage and skill of my entire family. You do not have a chance!'

In most places, weapons are designed for ease of creation and practicality of use. In others, various weapon designs are developed to meet certain philosophical criteria. Wind and Fire Wheels are of the later type. However, they augment many unarmed combat styles, so in the end, they are an effective weapon.